Originally Posted by Rui Z

As acting owner of the Hornets, Stern had every right to not accept a trade he didn't like. Just like every owner in the league has a right to say 'no' to a trade that their GM proposes. However, if the reason Stern didn't accept the trade was because of the whiny small market owners, then I agree that the commissioner was wrong in not accepting the trade. But listening to Stern's explanation, I believe he just wanted a better deal than the Lakers trade proposal.